It's Judge Beale, Now

May 13, 1989

On Friday, Newport News lawyer Joan Beale became the city's first woman judge, appointed to the General District Court bench by the city's three Circuit Court judges.

That is not only a historic move, it is also one that will serve the city well. A lawyer since 1977 and a substitute judge for the District Court since 1986, she is widely respected as an able attorney and jurist.

Beyond the fact that Beale brings to her new job both high qualifications and high esteem from her colleagues, one other point needs to be made: She should be given full support by local legislators who will have to fill the position in January. Her appointment Friday is for the interim, until the legislature reconvenes.

It is true that Newport News legislators, unable to agree among several candidates, finally had to relinquish the right of appointment to local judges. And it is true that the appointment has ended an extremely bitter and protracted fight over this judgeship.

But the city's Circuit Court judges have made an excellent choice. They have also named as judge a woman who could rightfully be called the first choice of the local bar association, since she came in second to a man who last week dropped out of contention.

When the General Assembly meets in January, local legislators should make sure they put this long fight behind them and confirm the appointment of Joan Beale as a Newport News judge.